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Russian NGO reports on attacks on journalists in 2006

Text of report by Russian news agency Interfax

Moscow, 9 January: The Glasnost Defence Foundation (www.gdf.ru) today released the results of its monitoring of conflicts involving the media reported in Russia in 2006.

"There were 1,345 such conflicts reported in the past year (in 2005 there were 1,322 and in 2004 - 1,236). This includes nine cases in which journalists died," the statement released by the organization today said.

In 2005 seven journalists died in Russia, while in 2004 the number was 14.

In addition, in the last year 69 attacks were recorded on journalists in Russia working for the central, regional and also foreign media. In particular, Al-Jazeera's correspondent in Moscow (?Abdel Munem) was beaten up.

In 2005 there were 63 attacks on journalists and in 2004 - 68.

In addition, in 2006, according to the Glasnost Defence Foundation, 12 direct attacks were made on editorial offices.

The foundation has "recorded" 28 incidents of censorship, 48 cases of criminal prosecutions being brought against journalists and media outlets, and 75 arrests of journalists. According to its data, in 2006 there were 299 lawsuits filed against media outlets and individual journalists claiming damages totalling R884,892,287.48. Of these, 80 were successful, meaning R33.628m was paid out in compensation.

The Glasnost Defence Foundation also says that "43 threats were made against journalists and media outlets in 2006".